Treatment

Treatment for corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. Treatment should be started as soon as possible to prevent scarring of the cornea.

If the exact cause is not known, patients may be given antibiotic drops that work against many kinds of bacteria.

Once the exact cause is known, drops that treat bacteria, herpes, other viruses, or a fungus are prescribed. Severe ulcers sometimes require a corneal transplant.

Corticosteroid eye drops may be used to reduce swelling and inflammation in certain conditions.

Yourhealth care providermay also recommend that you:

Avoid eye makeup

Don't wear contact lenses at all, or don't wear them at night

Take pain medications

Wear an eye patch to keep out light and help with symptoms

Wear protective glasses

Outlook (Prognosis)

Many people recover completely from corneal ulcers or infections, or they have only a minor change in vision.

However, a corneal ulcer or infection can cause long-term damage to the cornea and affect vision.

Possible Complications

Untreated corneal ulcers and infections may lead to:

Loss of the eye (rare)

Severe vision loss

Scars on the cornea

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

You have symptoms of corneal ulcers or an infection

You have been diagnosed with this condition and your symptoms become worse after treatment

Prevention

Getting treated for an eye infection by an ophthalmologist right away may prevent ulcers from forming. Wash hands and pay very close attention to cleanliness while handling contact lenses. Avoid wearing contact lenses overnight.

Eye - illustration

The eye is the organ of sight, a nearly spherical hollow globe filled with fluids (humors). The outer layer or tunic (sclera, or white, and cornea) is fibrous and protective. The middle tunic layer (choroid, ciliary body and the iris) is vascular. The innermost layer (the retina) is nervous or sensory. The fluids in the eye are divided by the lens into the vitreous humor (behind the lens) and the aqueous humor (in front of the lens). The lens itself is flexible and suspended by ligaments which allow it to change shape to focus light on the retina, which is composed of sensory neurons.

Eye

illustration

Eye - illustration

The eye is the organ of sight, a nearly spherical hollow globe filled with fluids (humors). The outer layer or tunic (sclera, or white, and cornea) is fibrous and protective. The middle tunic layer (choroid, ciliary body and the iris) is vascular. The innermost layer (the retina) is nervous or sensory. The fluids in the eye are divided by the lens into the vitreous humor (behind the lens) and the aqueous humor (in front of the lens). The lens itself is flexible and suspended by ligaments which allow it to change shape to focus light on the retina, which is composed of sensory neurons.